Material for Inclusion in a Smoking Article

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to inclusion of one or more sugars or isolated sugars in a smoking article.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to inclusion of one or more sugars in a smoking article.

BACKGROUND

Sugars are used in combustible products to improve taste. The sugars are typically applied as a sugar-containing casing solution.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) generated by a smoking article in use, comprising applying one or more sugars to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided use of one or more sugars to reduce the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in mainstream smoke generated upon use of a smoking article, wherein the one or more sugars are applied to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the one or more sugars comprise one or more of: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, fructose, sucrose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylose, xylulose, invert sugar and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied as a solution or in particulate form.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the smokeable material comprises tobacco.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the tobacco.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the smokeable material in an amount of about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% (w/w).

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the level of one or more TSNAs is reduced by at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a smokeable material for inclusion in a smoking article, the material comprising tobacco, and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of: arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention, the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco as a solution or in particulate form.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention, the smokeable material comprises about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% of the one or more isolated sugars (w/w).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a smoking article comprising a smokeable material according to a third aspect of the invention.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a smokeable sheet material for inclusion in a smoking article, the sheet material comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

In some embodiments according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the filler comprises one or more of a binder, a diluent and a filling agent.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a sheet of smokeable material according to the fifth aspect of the invention, comprising preparing, casting and drying a solution or slurry comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars.

In some embodiments, the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of a smoking article into which the smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention, or smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention is incorporated is reduced compared to a control smoking article.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a smoking article comprising a smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention, or a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, smoking articles according to the seventh aspect have a reduced level of one or more TSNAs in the mainstream smoke generated upon use of the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a smoking article in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph demonstrating the reduction of certain analytes achieved by a smoking article comprising blend A tobacco to which a 5% solution of Glucuronic acid, L-Rhamnose, L-Arabinose or D-Galactose was applied compared to a smoking article comprising a comparable amount of control blend A tobacco.

FIG. 3 shows the tabulated data for FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a graph demonstrating the reduction of certain analytes achieved by a smoking article comprising blend A tobacco to which a 5% or 10% solution of Invert Sugar; or a 10% solution of L-Arabinose was applied compared to a smoking article comprising a comparable amount of control blend A tobacco.

FIG. 5 shows the tabulated data for FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a graph demonstrating the reduction of certain analytes achieved by a smoking article comprising blend B tobacco to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose was applied compared to a smoking article comprising a comparable amount of control blend B tobacco.

FIG. 7 shows the tabulated data for FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a graph demonstrating the reduction of certain analytes achieved by a smoking article comprising blend C tobacco to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose was applied compared to a smoking article comprising a comparable amount of control blend C tobacco.

FIG. 9 shows the tabulated data for FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a graph demonstrating the reduction of certain analytes achieved by a smoking article comprising blend D tobacco to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose was applied compared to a smoking article comprising a comparable amount of control blend D tobacco.

FIG. 11 shows the tabulated data for FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Smoke arising from a smoking article which comprises tobacco is a complex, dynamic mixture of more than 5000 identified constituents. The constituents are present in the mainstream smoke (MS), which exits the mouth end of the cigarette, and are also released between puffs as constituents of sidestream smoke (SS).

It can be a research objective to decrease levels of at least some of the constituents of mainstream smoke, such as one or more of aromatic amines; phenols; carbonyls; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; acrylonitrile; volatile hydrocarbons such as toluene, isoprene, styrene and benzene; nitrogen heterocyclics such as pyridine; tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) such as N′-nitrosoanabasine (NAB), N′-nitrosoanatabine (NAT), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN); and inorganic compounds such as ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.

Methods for selectively reducing mainstream smoke and/or sidestream smoke constituents may include reducing the levels of certain compounds from the starting material by, for example, using biotechnological methods; blending of different types of tobacco, or treating the tobacco prior to incorporation into the smoking article; reducing the amount of tobacco in the smoking article by including diluents or fillers; ventilation of the smoking article, where ambient air is drawn into the smoking article to dilute the MS; and use of a filter, which enhances the removal of MS constituents. In addition, attempts have been made to selectively remove or reduce constituents from cigarette smoke by incorporating sorbents or other materials into the smoking article. One such material is acacia gum, which has been shown to reduce the level of one or more TSNAs from mainstream smoke generated upon use of a smoking article.

The addition of sugars to tobacco and/or smoking articles is known, typically for the purpose of improving taste, and this is particularly the case with respect to Burley tobacco, where sugars are lost during curing. The sugars are typically applied as a sugar-containing casing solution.

A review article by Roemer et al. (Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2012; 42(3):244-278) assessed the literature regarding the use of sugars as cigarette tobacco ingredients and noted that there was found to be no change in many constituents of mainstream smoke as a result of inclusion of sugars (sucrose, invert sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and/or white or brown sugar) including in NNK and benzo[a]pyrene. Two studies reported a decrease in NNN with cigarettes comprising HFCS or sucrose under the ISO smoking regime, however these differences were no longer apparent under the more intense HCI (Health Canada Intense) smoking regime.

It has now been discovered that the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines in the mainstream smoke generated from a smoking article in use can be reduced by incorporating one or more sugars into the smokeable material for incorporation into a smoking article.

Many of the reductions were greater than those observed for nicotine, indicating that the reductions were a result of more than simple dilution of the tobacco by the sugar(s). In addition, the observed reductions for several of the tobacco specific nitrosamines were greater than expected by the reduction observed for nicotine-free dry particulate matter (NFDPM).

The term “NFDPM” is a term of the art, determined utilising a test methodology as would be understood by a skilled person. It is defined as the weight of mainstream smoke particulate matter trapped on a high efficiency particulate filter, minus the weight of nicotine and water on the filter. It is usually expressed in weight units of milligrams per cigarette.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) generated by a smoking article in use, comprising applying one or more sugars to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided use of one or more sugars to reduce the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in mainstream smoke generated upon use of a smoking article, wherein the one or more sugars are applied to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars comprise one or more of: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, fructose, sucrose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylose, xylulose, invert sugar and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

In some embodiments, the one or more of the sugars may be the D-isomer; in some embodiments, one or more of the sugars may be the L-isomer; in some embodiments the one or more sugars comprise one or more of: L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid or invert sugar. In some embodiments the sugar is arabinose, or L-arabinose.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the smokeable material as a solution or in particulate form. In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the smokeable material as a solution.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the smokeable material comprises tobacco.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the tobacco.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars are applied to the smokeable material in an amount of about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% (w/w).

In some embodiments, according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the one or more sugars for incorporation into the smokeable material are one or more isolated sugars.

By the term “isolated” is meant a sugar in pure, substantially pure, and/or uncombined form.

In some embodiments according to the first or second aspects of the invention, the level of one or more TSNAs is reduced by at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a smokeable material for inclusion in a smoking article, the material comprising tobacco, and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of: arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

By the term “isolated” is meant a sugar in pure, substantially pure, and/or uncombined form.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the smokeable material as a solution or in particulate form.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the smokeable material comprises tobacco. In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco. In some such embodiments, the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco as a solution or in particulate form.

In some embodiments, the amount of the one or more isolated sugars added to the tobacco is such that the resultant smokeable material remains easy to handle and process. In some embodiments wherein the one or more isolated sugars are added to the tobacco as a solution, the concentration of the solution is such that the viscosity of the solution is low enough to be sprayed and/or the tobacco evenly covered with solution, but high enough to avoid the time required to dry the resultant smokeable material being significantly extended.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention, the smokeable material comprises about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% of the one or more isolated sugars (w/w).

In some embodiments, smokeable material according to the third aspect may further comprise one or more of the components typically found in the tobacco rod of a combustible product such as a smoking article. For example tobacco substitutes, filler material, diluents, binders, humectants, flavour or flavourants or aerosol generating material. These components may be mixed with tobacco and the one or more isolated sugars, or with tobacco to which the one or more isolated sugars have been applied.

As used herein, the term ‘diluent’ means a material which can be used to dilute the smokeable material. Examples include glycerol, solanesol, neophytadiene, 3-methylanisole, eugenol, 1-phenyl-1-pentanone, 2,3-dimethyl-4-ethylacetophenone, nicotinic acid, docosane, dotriacontane, eicosane, neophytadiene, heneicosane, hentriacontane, heptacosane, hexacosane, nonacosane, octacosane, pentacosane, pentatriacontane, squalene, tetracosane, tetratriacontane, triacetin, triacontane, triacosane and tritriacontane.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol generating material’ means a substance which, when incorporated into a smoking article rapidly creates or promotes an aerosol upon ignition of the article. Examples include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, propylene glycol and triethylene glycol; triethyl citrate, triacetin, or high boiling point hydrocarbons.

In some instances, the terms ‘diluent’ and ‘aerosol generating material’ can be used interchangeably. For example, some substances/materials have the effect of both diluting the smokeable material, and rapidly creating or promoting an aerosol upon incorporation into and ignition of a smoking article. Examples of such materials are triacetin and glycerol.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In some embodiments, the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of a smoking article into which a smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention is incorporated is reduced compared to a control smoking article. In some embodiments, the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of a smoking article into which a smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention is incorporated is reduced by at least about 35%, at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention the smokeable material comprises acacia gum in addition to the one or more isolated sugars.

In some such embodiments the acacia gum may be in particulate or fragmented form. In some such embodiments, the fragments or particles of acacia gum may be between 20 μm and 5 mm in diameter; between 100 μm and 4 mm in diameter; between 0.1 mm and 3.5 mm in diameter; between 0.5 mm and 2 mm in diameter; between 0.6 mm and 1.8 mm in diameter or between 0.7 mm and 1 mm in diameter. In certain embodiments, the particles are around 0.8 mm (800 μm) in diameter. In some embodiments, the particles or fragments substantially comprise, or consist of acacia gum.

In alternative embodiments, the acacia gum may be formed as a coating on one or more further aspects of the smokeable material. In some embodiments, the acacia gum is provided as a coating on the tobacco in the smokeable material.

In some embodiments, the smokeable material comprises acacia gum in an amount between 10 mg and 675 mg per 750 mg smokeable material; between 50 mg and 300 mg per 750 mg smokeable material; or around 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 or 230 mg per 750 mg smokeable material.

In some embodiments the application of one or more sugars to the smokeable material according to the first or second aspects of the invention, or the inclusion of one or more isolated sugars in the smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention enables the level of acacia gum in the smokeable material to be reduced without affecting the level of TSNA reduction achieved. In some such embodiments, a reduction in the amount of acacia gum can improve handleability and taste of the smoking material.

Smokeable material according to the third aspect may be incorporated into a smoking article, such as a cigarette. Accordingly, in a fourth aspect, there is provided a smoking article comprising smokeable material according to the third aspect of the invention.

Smoking articles according to the present invention may conform to any size or dimensions known for smoking articles. Alternatively, smoking articles according to the invention may comprise a coaxial core, comprising an inner core and outer annulus of smokeable materials, and wherein smokeable material according to the third aspect may be incorporated into either or both of the inner core or outer annulus. In such embodiments, the smoking article may comprise the same or different wrapper materials for the inner core and outer annulus.

Smoking articles typically comprise a filter at the mouth end, a rod which comprises smokeable material, and paper wrapped around the rod.

Smoking articles according to the present invention may comprise any filter configuration known in the art. Filters for smoking articles typically comprise one or more of fibrous cellulose acetate, polypropylene material, polyethylene material, or gathered paper material.

Referring to FIG. 1, a smoking article 1 is illustrated comprising a filter 2 and a substantially cylindrical tobacco rod 3, aligned with the filter 2, such that one end of the tobacco rod 3, abuts the end of the filter. The tobacco rod 3, has a cut away area to demonstrate the location of the smokeable material and one or more isolated sugars. The tobacco rod 3 is joined to the filter 2 by tipping paper in a conventional manner.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a smokeable sheet material for inclusion in a smoking article, the sheet material comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.

In some embodiments according to the fifth aspect, the smokeable sheet material comprises at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% isolated sugar(s) by weight.

In some embodiments according to the fifth aspect, the smokeable sheet material comprises at least 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% filler by weight. In some embodiments according to the fifth aspect, the smokeable sheet material comprises between 20% and 95% filler by weight. In some embodiments according to the fifth aspect, the smokeable 35 sheet material comprises about 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 00% filler by weight.

The term “by weight” means by weight of the smokeable sheet material.

In some embodiments, the resultant sheet is not overly brittle, thereby facilitating handling and processing.

In some embodiments, the filler comprises one or more of a binder, a diluent and a filling agent, such as an inorganic filling agent.

Examples of binders include alginate, pectin, cellulose compounds, and hydrocolloid based compounds.

As used herein, the term ‘diluent’ means a material which can be used to dilute the smokeable material. Examples include glycerol, solanesol, neophytadiene, 3-methylanisole, eugenol, 1-phenyl-1-pentanone, 2,3-dimethyl-4-ethylacetophenone, nicotinic acid, docosane, dotriacontane, eicosane, neophytadiene, heneicosane, hentriacontane, heptacosane, hexacosane, nonacosane, octacosane, pentacosane, pentatriacontane, squalene, tetracosane, tetratriacontane, triacetin, triacontane, triacosane and tritriacontane.

Examples of filling agents include calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate and magnesium carbonate.

In some embodiments, the binder is an alginate, such as sodium alginate, and/or a gum such as acacia gum; the diluent is glycerol; and the filling agent is chalk. Accordingly, in some embodiments the filler comprises one or more of an alginate, such as sodium alginate, a gum such as acacia gum, glycerol and chalk. In some embodiments, the filler comprises an alginate, such as sodium alginate or a gum such as acacia gum, chalk and glycerol.

In some embodiments, the amount of sodium alginate is from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of acacia gum is from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of chalk is from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the smokeable sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of glycerol is from about 5% to about 25% by weight of the smokeable sheet material.

In some embodiments, the amount of sodium alginate is about 7.5% by weight of the smokeable sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of acacia gum is about 7.5% by weight of the smokeable sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of chalk is about 40% by weight of the smokeable sheet material. In some embodiments, the amount of glycerol is about 12.5% by weight of the smokeable sheet material.

In some embodiments the smokeable sheet material further comprises acacia gum, or further comprises additional acacia gum. In some such embodiments, the smokeable sheet material may comprise around 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 40, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or 85% acacia gum by weight.

In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material does not comprise tobacco, or comprises tobacco at no more than 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0.5% by weight of the sheet material.

In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material does not comprise substantially solid or particulate matter of a size greater than 800 μm, 700 μm, 600 μm, 550 μm, 500 μm, 400 μm, 200 μm, 180 μm, 100 μm or 50 μm. In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material does not comprise solid or particulate matter of a size substantially greater than 550 μm. In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material does not comprise more than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% by weight solid or particulate matter of a size substantially greater than 500 μm.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a sheet of smokeable material for inclusion in a smoking article, wherein the method comprises preparing, casting and drying a solution or slurry comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars.

In some embodiments, the amount of one or more isolated sugars in the solution is at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% by weight of the solid content of the solution.

The term “solid content” means all of the components (whether dispersible or dissolvable in the solvent), other than the solvent, comprising the sheet of smokeable material.

The solution may be prepared using an aqueous solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent may be water. In some embodiments, the water may be distilled or deionized water.

In some embodiments, the solution further comprises a filler. In some embodiments, the filler comprises one or more of a binder, a diluent and a filling agent, such as an inorganic filling agent. In some embodiments, the binder is an alginate, such as sodium alginate and/or a gum such as acacia gum, the diluent is glycerol and the filling agent is chalk. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the filler comprises one or more of an alginate, such as sodium alginate and/or a gum such as acacia gum, glycerol and chalk. In some embodiments, the filler comprises acacia gum and/or an alginate, such as sodium alginate, glycerol and chalk.

In some embodiments, the amount of sodium alginate in the solution is from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of acacia gum in the solution is from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of chalk in the solution is from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of glycerol is from about 5% to about 25% by weight of the solid content of the solution.

In some embodiments, the amount of sodium alginate in the solution is about 7.5% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of acacia gum in the solution is about 7.5% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of chalk in the solution is about 40% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of glycerol is about 12.5% by weight of the solid content of the solution.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the solution is no more than 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0.5% by weight of the solid content of the solution. In some embodiments, the solution does not comprise tobacco.

In embodiments wherein the solution further comprises a component, such as a binder, a diluent, a filling agent or tobacco, and one or more of these components is not soluble or is only partially soluble in the solvent, a slurry will be formed. Where the solvent is water, the slurry will be an aqueous slurry.

In some embodiments, the prepared solution or slurry prior to casting does not comprise solid or particulate matter of a size greater than 800 μm, 700 μm, 600 μm, 550 μm, 500 μm, 400 μm, 200 μm, 180 μm, 100 μm or 50 μm. In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material does not comprise substantially solid or particulate matter of a size greater than 550 μm. In some embodiments, the amount of solid or particulate matter of a size greater than 500 μm is no more than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% by weight of the solid content of the solution.

In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be prepared as one or more separate solutions or slurries, using the solvent, and then combined. Alternatively, the solution or slurry may be prepared by mixing or blending one or more of the components with the solvent and then adding the additional components. The components and/or solutions or slurries comprising the components may be prepared using a forceful blending means, such as high shear mixing means.

The solution or slurry may be cast using conventional means, for example on a casting sheet, and dried using conventional means and conditions, for example in an oven using a temperature of about 80° C. for about 90 minutes. The resultant sheets may then be conditioned using conventional means, for example, a conditioning cabinet at about 60% relative humidity and 22° C. for up to about 24, or longer if required, for example, 48 hours.

In some embodiments, the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of a smoking article into which a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention is incorporated is reduced compared to a control smoking article. In some embodiments, the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of the smoking article into which a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention is incorporated is reduced by at least about 35%, at least about 38% or at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.

In some embodiments the inclusion of one or more isolated sugars in a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention enables the level of acacia gum in the smokeable sheet material to be reduced without affecting the level of TSNA reduction achieved. In some such embodiments, a reduction in the amount of acacia gum can improve handleability and taste of the smoking sheet material, and, as a result, the smokeable material into which it is incorporated.

A smokeable sheet material comprising one or more isolated sugars may be incorporated into a smoking article, such as a cigarette. Accordingly, in a seventh aspect there is provided a smoking article comprising a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect.

In some embodiments according to the seventh aspect, the smokeable sheet material is shredded, comminuted or otherwise reduced to a size suitable for incorporation into a smoking article. Size reduction may be achieved using conventional means, such as a shredder. The shredded sheet material may then be mixed with tobacco and/or other constituents of the smokeable material and incorporated into a smoking article.

In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material is located within the tobacco rod. In some embodiments, the smokeable sheet material is added to or combined with one or more other components of the smokeable material for incorporation into the tobacco rod. In some embodiments, the smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking rod of the smoking article comprises around 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% or 20% w/w smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

In alternative embodiments, the smokeable sheet material may be provided as a wrap or lining for other constituents of the smokeable material.

In some embodiments, the smoking article according to a seventh aspect of the invention has a reduced level of one or more TSNAs in the mainstream smoke generated upon use of the articles. In some embodiments, the reduction in the level of one or more TSNAs achieved by a smoking article according to a seventh aspect of the invention is at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.

In some embodiments, the inclusion of a smokeable sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention enables the level of acacia gum incorporated in the smokeable material, in any form, to be reduced without affecting the level of TSNA reduction achieved. In some such embodiments, a reduction in the amount of acacia gum can improve handleability and taste of the smoking material.

Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is suggested that the effects upon the levels of TSNAs achieved by the present invention arise as a result of scavenging of TSNA precursors by the combustion products of the sugars, which thereby disrupts the TSNA synthesis route. The observation that the reductions were greater than expected by reduction of NFDPM may indicate that synergistic effects could be occurring within the complex, dynamic combustion and/or pyrolysis processes occurring within the smoking article. In addition, the observation that most of the reductions in TSNAs were greater than the reduction of nicotine indicates that the reductions in TSNAs are a result of more than simple dilution of the tobacco by the sugar.

In addition, without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is suggested that the mechanism of TSNA reduction achieved by the inclusion of one or more sugars or one or more isolated sugars into smokeable material in the present invention may be different from the mechanism of TSNA reduction achieved by the inclusion of acacia gum into smokeable material. It is suggested that different kinetics may be involved in the respective reduction processes, which may result in different scavenging mechanisms, or changes in the pyrolytic profile of the smokeable material.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting thereof.

Example 1: Preparation of Treated and Control Tobacco

Treated tobacco was prepared by adding a solution of the chosen sugar or isolated sugar to cut rag tobacco. Four different blends of tobacco were used: A, B, C and D.

The chosen ratios of solution to tobacco were sufficient so that the viscosity of the solution was low enough to be sprayed, and the tobacco was evenly covered with solution but the treated tobacco was not so wet as to significantly prolong the drying time. Details are provided in Table A, below.

TABLE A Composition of treated tobacco Amount of Amount of Amount of Amount of Sugar in Sugar in Tobacco Solution solution final blend Sample (kg) (kg) (kg) (%) Control (% purity) 10 0 0 0 L-(+)-Arabinose 10 10 0.5 5 (99.27%) L-(+)- Rhamnose 10 10 0.5 5 (99%) D-(+)-Galactose 10 10 0.5 5 (98.72%) D-Glucuronic Acid 10 10 0.5 5 (99.2%) L-(+)- Arabinose 10 10 1.1 10 (99.27%) Invert Sugar 10 10 1.1 10

Preparation of the Sugar Solution

The sugar was added to a container with reverse osmosis water in the amounts set out in Table A. The mixture was stirred until the sugar had dissolved (around 5 minutes).

Preparation of the Tobacco

The cut rag tobacco was put into a large rotating vessel such as a Double Cone Blender (DCB). The sugar solution was poured through a sieve into a pressure pot attachment on the DCB. The pot was placed under air pressure and the solution transferred to the DCB through tubing. The solution entered the DCB via two fine spray nozzles whilst the DCB rotated to achieve even coating of sugar solution onto the tobacco. The process was continued until all the solution was applied.

A COMAS tobacco drier was used to remove the excess water from the resultant tobacco. The tobacco was weighed and divided evenly between the drying trays in the tobacco drier. A sample of cutrag was also taken and tested for moisture content to calculate an approximate drying time. The COMAS was typically set to a temperature of 37.5° C.

Moisture was tested using a Halogen Moisture Analyser immediately after drying and again a day after drying to ensure that levels remained stable. The tobacco was removed from the drier when the moisture reached around 12-14% (the recommended level for use in cigarette manufacture). The treated tobacco was then incorporated into cigarettes.

Control

Control tobacco simply comprised a comparable amount of the same blend of cut rag tobacco as used to prepare the corresponding treated tobacco. The control tobacco did not undergo any additional processing as it had previously been established that treating tobacco with water alone followed by drying had no effect upon the mainstream smoke generated in comparison to comparable but untreated tobacco.

Cigarette Manufacture:

King size cigarettes were made using an Mk9 automated machine and had around 72% firmness of the rod. Cigarettes comprised standard 27 mm monoacetate filters, cigarette paper and tipping paper.

Smoking Regime & Smoke Analysis

The cigarettes were smoked using the HCI (Health Canada Intense) smoking regime with details provided in Table B, below.

TABLE B Puff Volume (mL) 55 Puff Duration (s) 2 Puff Frequency (s) 30 Ventilation Closed

The mainstream smoke from each cigarette was analysed. Five replicate measurements were carried out with five cigarettes smoked per replicate. Results were expressed as a percentage change compared to the Control.

Example 2A

Cigarettes were prepared from tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of Glucuronic acid, L-Rhamnose, L-Arabinose or D-Galactose had been applied as set out in Example 1 and Table 1, above. A Control using blend A was also prepared.

Results

FIGS. 2 and 3 demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of Glucuronic acid, L-Rhamnose, L-Arabinose and D-Galactose had been applied had lower levels of NNN, NAT, NAB, and NNK than the comparable control.

FIGS. 2 and 3 also demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of L-Rhamnose, and L-Arabinose and D-Galactose had been applied had lower levels of nicotine than the comparable control.

In addition, the levels of NNN, NAT and NAB were reduced in cigarettes comprising tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of Glucuronic acid, L-Rhamnose, L-Arabinose and D-Galactose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM; and the level of NNK was reduced in cigarettes comprising tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of Glucuronic acid, L-Rhamnose, and L-Arabinose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM.

Example 2B

Cigarettes were prepared from tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of invert sugar or a 10% solution of invert sugar or L-Arabinose had been applied as set out in Example 1 and Table 1, above. A control using blend A was also prepared.

Results

FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of invert sugar, a 10% solution of invert sugar or a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied all had lower levels of NNN, NAT, NAB, NNK and nicotine than the comparable control.

In addition, the levels of NNN, NAT, NAB and NNK were reduced in cigarettes containing tobacco blend A to which a 5% solution of invert sugar, a 10% solution of invert sugar or a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM:

Example 2C

Cigarettes were prepared from tobacco blend B to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied as set out in Example 1 and Table 1, above. A control using blend B was also prepared.

Results

FIGS. 6 and 7 demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend B to which a solution of 10% L-Arabinose had been applied had lower levels of NNN, NAT, NAB, and NNK than the comparable control.

In addition, the levels of NNN, NAT, NAB and NNK were reduced in cigarettes comprising tobacco blend B to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM.

Example 2D

Cigarettes were prepared from tobacco blend C to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied as set out in Example 1 and Table 1. A control using blend C was also prepared.

Results

FIGS. 8 and 9 demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend C to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied had lower levels of NNN, NAT, NAB and NNK than the comparable control.

In addition, the levels of NNN, NAT, NAB and NNK were reduced in cigarettes comprising tobacco blend C to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM.

Example 2E

Cigarettes were prepared from tobacco blend D to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied as set out in Example 1 and Table 1, above. A control using blend D was also prepared.

Results

FIGS. 10 and 11 demonstrate that cigarettes comprising tobacco blend D to which a 10% L-Arabinose solution had been applied had lower levels of NNN, NAT, NAB, NNK and nicotine than the comparable control.

In addition, the levels of NNN, NAT, NAB and NNK were reduced in cigarettes comprising tobacco blend D to which a 10% solution of L-Arabinose had been applied to a greater extent than the reduction observed for NFDPM.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior process for preparing a smokeable material comprising one or more sugars and/or isolated sugars for inclusion in a smoking article. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. 

1. A method of reducing the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) generated by a smoking article in use, comprising applying one or more sugars to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.
 2. Use of one or more sugars to reduce the level of one or more tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in mainstream smoke generated upon use of a smoking article, wherein the one or more sugars are applied to smokeable material for incorporation into the smoking article.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, or a use as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more sugars comprise one or more of: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, fructose, sucrose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylose, xylulose, invert sugar and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, or a use as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the one or more sugars are applied as a solution or in particulate form.
 5. A method as claimed in any of claims 1, 3 or 4, or a use as claimed in any of claims 2-4, wherein the smokeable material comprises tobacco.
 6. A method or a use as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more sugars are applied to the tobacco.
 7. A method as claimed in any of claims 1, 3, 4, 5 or 6, or a use as claimed in any of claims 2-6, wherein the one or more sugars are applied to the smokeable material in an amount of about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% (w/w).
 8. A method as claimed in any of claims 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, or a use as claimed in any of claims 2-7, wherein the level of one or more TSNAs is reduced by at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40% or at least about 45% compared to a control smoking article.
 9. A smokeable material for inclusion in a smoking article, the material comprising tobacco, and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of: arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.
 10. A smokeable material as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco.
 11. A smokeable material as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more isolated sugars are applied to the tobacco as a solution or in particulate form.
 12. A smokeable material as claimed in any of claims 9-11, wherein the smokeable material comprises about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9% or about 10% of the one or more isolated sugars (w/w).
 13. A smokeable sheet material for inclusion in a smoking article, the sheet material comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars selected from the group consisting of arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, lyxose, ribose, ribulose, xylulose and derivatives thereof, including monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives.
 14. A smokeable sheet material as claimed in claim 13, wherein the filler comprises one or more of a binder, a diluent and a filling agent.
 15. A method of preparing a sheet of smokeable material for inclusion in a smoking article, wherein the method comprises preparing, casting and drying a solution or slurry comprising a filler and one or more isolated sugars.
 16. A smokeable material as claimed in any of claims 9-12, or a smokeable sheet material as claimed in any of claims 13 or 14, wherein the level of one or more TSNAs in smoke generated upon use of the smoking article into which the smokeable material or smokeable sheet material is incorporated is reduced compared to a control smoking article.
 17. A smoking article comprising a smokeable material according to any of claims 9-12, or a smokeable sheet material according to any of claims 13 or
 14. 18. A smoking article as claimed in claim 17, having a reduced level of one or more TSNAs in the mainstream smoke generated upon use of the article. 